Shafique Khokhar

Tragedy in the Dir Colony neighbourhood: the victims include 27 children and a teacher. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of school buildings in Pakistan and possible negligence.

Following the introduction of the state of emergency and ‘governor’s rule’, schools and universities have been closed and exams postponed until further notice. Amnesty International highlights the risks to human rights following arbitrary arrests and the suspension of internet access. Meanwhile, the Pakistani Taliban are seeking to capitalise on the discontent over Islamabad’s intervention.

Families fled the village in the Sheikhupura district when a mob set fire to the home and clinic of Kamran Masih, after he was accused of blasphemy. Five arrests have been made in connection with the arson. The incident highlights the importance of political action to defend marginalised communities.

The Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations is visiting from 8 to 10 October. He is the highest-ranking Vatican diplomat in the Asian country, much to the delight of the local Church. The visit marks the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations. The contribution of Catholics to the nation.

The deaths of Abia, aged 6, and Waqar, aged 4, have reignited fears over dog bites, which reached 285,000 in 2025. At least 37 deaths in 2026: the most vulnerable are the hardest hit. Pakistan Medical Association: urgent action is needed, as if it were a ‘wartime emergency’. Calls are being made for vaccines and control of the dog population.

Following the controversy in Britain that led the Archbishop of Canterbury to withdraw a peace award given to the president of the Pakistan Ulema Council, the Church of Pakistan has awarded him its own prize, defending his commitment to minorities. But alongside his comments on Bin Laden and 9/11, new allegations have also emerged

It has been 24 years since the killing of seven employees of the organisation linked to the diocese. An armed group stormed the building, targeting one of the symbolic centres of Christian activism. Fr Khalid: their voices “have not been silenced”, their memory “is a call for peace and justice”.

The Christian Family Laws Bill 2026 amends a 19th-century, colonial-era law. The minimum age for marriage is raised to 18, and the consent of both parties is required. Sponsor Anthony Naveed hopes for cross-party support when the bill comes to a vote in the Provincial Assembly.

Prime Minister Sharif praised the heroism of the Christian nurse who risked her life in Islamabad to save a newborn baby during a fire in which 14 others died. “I didn’t even think twice,” she said, demonstrating through an act more powerful than words that, according to the Gospel, every person is precious.

Mirza Safdar Mahmood was shot dead in Mandi Bahauddin. Police, which suspects a targeted killing, are searching for two, unidentified attackers. The Ahmadi community now fears for its safety. A spokesperson slams hatred and prejudice.

Amir Masih was arrested on 11 August 2026, Pakistan’s National Minority Day, following a complaint filed against him regarding allegedly offensive remarks and a video he supposedly shared on social media. The NGO Human Rights Focus Pakistan, which is following the case, said the allegations need to be independently verified. Fears for other Christian families remain.

Following the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences which killed 14 newborn babies, the families are demanding justice. One mother told AsiaNews: “It was not God’s will.” Bishop Shukardin expressed his condolences and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. The National Commission for Children’s Rights is calling for an investigation.